Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to enact new Chapter 378 in the Columbus City Codes, pertaining to the creation of the Community Benefits Agreement Advisory Committee.
This Committee will review plans for large construction, alteration, and renovation projects for City-owned buildings or structures to determine whether a Community Benefits Agreement would improve the project and its purposes. Such an agreement might include stipulations regarding the labor force, the use of the structure, or the mitigation of the effects of construction on the community or environment.
While the role of the Committee is advisory in nature, Council is introducing this new Chapter of City Code to promote greater focus on community benefit during the ideation, procurement, and construction processes for large development projects. The Office of the Mayor, the Department of Finance and Management, and the other departments within the City of Columbus will work to keep the Committee apprised of upcoming, qualifying projects so that they may provide recommendations to the Office of the Mayor in a timely fashion.
This new Chapter will promote a diverse workforce, efficient construction timelines, greater consideration of environmental impacts, and the overall community benefit relating to large City construction and renovation projects on buildings and other structures.
Title
To enact new Chapter 378 of the Columbus City Codes, pertaining to the creation of the Community Benefits Agreement Advisory Committee.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus has been a national leader in the use of Community Benefits Agreements for public development projects; and
WHEREAS, Community Benefits Agreements are effective mechanisms by which to increase economic opportunity, reduce economic inequality, provide low-income persons with access to good paying jobs, promote fair and equitable development goals, and address the history of systemic racism in our communities as a crisis affec...
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